Friday, January 09, 2009

Carbon nanotube ink with 10 times the electron mobility of typical organic semiconductors has been developed using a new chemical process that helps solve the thorny problem of manufacturing nanotube thin films. DuPont and Cornell University researchers claim 100 square centimeter per volt-second electron mobilities for its new process, compared to 10 square centimeters per volt-second for typical organic semiconductors. Current manufacturing processes for carbon nanotubes create a mixture of both semiconducting and metallic nanotubes, degrading the quality of thin-film transistors. DuPont claims to have solved that problem with a simple chemical treatment process called cycloaddition that uses fluorine molecules to negate the effects of metallic nanotubes. The result is pure semiconducting films.

By R. Colin Johnson

Lastest Book:

Cognitive computers—cognizers—aim to instill human-like intelligence into our smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices using microchips that emulate the human brain. Dubbed the “Future of Computing” by the NYTimes, one of the “Best Innovation Moments of 2011” by the Washington Post and one of “10 World Changing Ideas” in a Scientific American cover story “A Computer Chip that Thinks” this book reveals how neuroscience and computer science are merging in a new era of intelligent machines light-years beyond Apple's Siri, IBM's Watson.

About the Author:

Next-generation electronics and technology news stories published non-stop for 20+ years, R. Colin Johnson's unique perspective has prompted coverage of his articles in a diverse range of major media outlets--from the ultra-liberal National Public Radio (NPR) to the ultra-conservative Rush Limbaugh Show.